Modular tailgate

ABSTRACT

A modular gate combined with multiple functions which can be easily employed with existing tailgates without any hardware or mounting modifications to existing truck beds. There is provided a modular tailgate system having a tailgate portion in combination with a plurality of functions. The modular tailgate system integrates any combinations of at least two of the plurality of features without affecting existing body sides and/or existing truck beds. Integrated features include a multi-functional gate (e.g., swing, drop, etc), storage (e.g., normal, sealed, refrigerated, heated, etc), step(s), lighting (e.g., ingress/egress, bed interior, removable, trailer hitch, parking, etc), bed extension(s), power (e.g., 12 v and/or 110 v), tie downs (e.g., ratchets, anchors, etc), sawhorse, magnet(s), table(s), bench(es), seat(s), net(s), any other predetermined desired function, etc., and combinations thereof.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/505,215, filed Aug. 19, 2015, which is a National Stage ofInternational Application No. PCT/US2015/045877, filed Aug. 19, 2015,which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/039,172, filed Aug. 19, 2014. The disclosures of the aboveapplications are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a tailgate with multiple featuresintegrated.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pickup truck tailgates have little to no functionality. Generally,tailgates provide ingress/egress to the bed of the pickup truck forcargo load. Typically, tailgates provide little more. There are a fewknown tailgates that additionally provide a single feature such aslighting, storage, or tie downs. These individual features exist asstand alone items.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a modular tailgate with multiplefeatures incorporated therewith for a number of applications to improvefunctionality and provide a plurality of multi-functional arrangements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a modular tailgate systemintegrating combinations of a plurality of features without affectingcurrent body sides. Integrated features include, but are not limited to,multi-functional gate (e.g., swing, drop, etc), storage (e.g., normal,sealed, refrigerated, heated, etc), step(s), lighting (e.g.,ingress/egress, bed interior, removable, trailer hitch, parking, etc),bed extension(s), power source (e.g., 12 v and/or 110 v, outlet, strip),tie downs (e.g., ratchets, anchors, etc), sawhorse, magnet(s), table(s),bench(es), seat(s), net(s), any other predetermined desired feature,etc., and various combinations thereof of at least two features. Thereis provided a complete modular gate combined with multiple functionswhich is easily employable with existing tailgates without any hardwareor mounting modifications to existing truck beds, e.g., pickup truckbeds, sport utility vehicle (SUV) interior storage.

A modular liftgate, e.g., for an SUV, combined with any of theaforementioned multiple functions is also within the contemplation ofthe present invention.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It shouldbe understood that the detailed description and specific examples, whileindicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended forpurposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1A-B are schematic illustrations of a modular tailgate having atailgate portion in combination with a plurality of features, inaccordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a modular tailgate having atailgate portion including a three-way opening door according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A-3C are schematic illustrations of a modular tailgate having atailgate portion in combination with a plurality of features, inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A-4C are schematic illustrations of a modular tailgate having atailgate portion in combination with a plurality of features, inaccordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A-5C are schematic illustrations of a modular tailgate having atailgate portion in combination with a plurality of features, inaccordance with an additional embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a pickup truck bed having a modulartailgate with a tailgate portion in combination with a plurality offeatures, in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a pickup truck bed having a modulartailgate with a tailgate portion in combination with a plurality offeatures in accordance with yet another embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a pickup truck bed having a modulartailgate with a tailgate portion in combination with a plurality offeatures in accordance with yet another embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a pickup truck bed having a modulartailgate with a tailgate portion in combination with a plurality offeatures according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a pickup truck bed having a modulartailgate with a tailgate portion in combination with a plurality offeatures according to the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a pickup truck with a modular tailgatehaving a tailgate portion in combination with a plurality of features,in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a pickup truck with a modular tailgatehaving a tailgate portion in combination with a plurality of features,in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a pickup truck with a modular tailgatein an open position;

FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the pickup truck with the modulartailgate of FIG. 13A with the modular tailgate in a first extendedposition according to the present invention;

FIG. 13C is a perspective view of the pickup truck with the modulartailgate of FIGS. 13A-B with the modular tailgate in a second extendedposition according to the present invention;

FIG. 13D is a perspective view of the pickup truck with the modulartailgate of FIG. 13A-C with the modular tailgate in a third extendedposition with side doors according to the present invention; and

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a pickup truck with a modular tailgatein a position of use including a step, according to the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merelyexemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention,its application, or uses.

Referring to FIGS. 1-14 generally, there is provided a modular tailgatesystem having a tailgate portion in combination with a plurality offunctions. The modular tailgate system integrates any combinations of atleast two of the plurality of features without affecting existing bodysides and/or existing truck beds. Integrated features include, but arenot limited to, multi-functional gate (e.g., swing, drop,multi-positioning, etc), storage (e.g., normal, sealed, refrigerated,heated, etc), step(s), lighting (e.g., ingress/egress, bed interior,removable, trailer hitch, parking, etc), bed extension(s), bed accessdoor(s), power (e.g., 12 v and/or 110 v), tie downs (e.g., ratchets,anchors, etc), sawhorse(s), magnet(s), table(s), bench(es), seat(s),net(s), stationary and deployable air diffuser(s), any otherpredetermined desired function, and/or combinations thereof.

FIGS. 1A-B are a schematic illustration of a modular tailgate system,shown generally at 10 operably connected to a pickup truck cargo bedshown generally at 12. The modular tailgate system 10 has a tailgateportion shown generally at 14 in combination with a plurality offeatures. The tailgate portion 14 selectively rotates between at least astowed position (FIG. 1B) and deployed position (FIG. 1A). In oneembodiment, as further illustrated in FIG. 2, the tailgate portion 14selectively rotates between a stowed and deployed position, as indicatedby arrows “A”, to allow rear access to the cargo bed. Alternatively, asillustrated in FIG. 2 the tailgate portion 14 is a 3-way opening doorthat swings to the left and/or right and/or drops, as indicated byarrows “B” “C” and “A”, respectfully, for access to the cargo bed. Anergonomic handle 16 is provided for selectively releasing the connectionto the vehicle, e.g., an ergo handle for swing and/or drop of thetailgate portion 14.

Referring further to FIGS. 1A-2 generally, the plurality of featuresintegrated with the tailgate portion include, but are not limited to,the 3-way opening door movable in direction A, B and/or C, at least oneergonomic handle 16 swing/drop, at least one lighting device 18 (e.g.,removable, fixed, and/or pivotable LED lighting device), at least oneintegrated tie-down 20 (most preferably, at least two integratedtie-downs 20), which is, by way of example, a top (FIG. 1B) or bottom(FIG. 1A) mounted tie-down, and/or at least one storage unit showngenerally at 22 (e.g., lock box and/or storage case, etc).

By way of non-limiting example, the storage unit 22 is a lock boxintegrated with the tailgate pivotable to the deployed position (FIG.1A). The storage unit 22 has a base 24 and a pivotable lid 26 that opense.g., by pivoting toward the vehicle bed as indicated by arrow “D” toallow access to at least one internal storage compartment 28 in the base24 and/or lid 26 of the storage unit 22. The storage unit 22 has atleast one lighting device 18 enclosed therein, e.g., removable and/orrotatable, and at least one power source 30. The storage unit 22preferably has a weather resistant seal.

It is understood that the modular tailgate system 10 has a tailgateportion 14 in combination with any of at least two predetermined desiredplurality of features, including, more or less or alternatives to thatshown in FIGS. 1A to 2.

In accordance with another embodiment, FIGS. 3A-3C generally illustratea modular tailgate system shown generally at 110 operably connected to apickup truck cargo bed shown generally at 112. The modular tailgatesystem 110 has a tailgate portion indicated generally at 114 incombination with a plurality of features. The tailgate portion 114selectively rotates between a stowed and deployed position, e.g.,up/down, to allow rear access to the cargo bed. The plurality offeatures integrated with the tailgate portion include at least oneintegrated step shown generally at 116 that is operably extendabledownward at a predetermined angle and distance operable to allow anoptimal angle for an operator to step up onto the tailgate portion 114and into the cargo bed 112 of the vehicle. The plurality of featuresfurther include at least one lighting device 118, e.g., LED light strip,at least one storage unit shown generally at 120 with at least onestorage compartment 134 or “unit” and a lid 136, e.g., hinged lid, atleast one power source 124, e.g., outlet, and at least one rearaerodynamic diffuser 126.

The rear diffuser 126 is operably selectively deployable foraerodynamics (e.g., See FIG. 4B).

The step 116 is moveable between at least a stowed position within arecess of the tailgate and deployed position for a step up into thecargo bed 112. It is understood that any suitable location for the stepis contemplated. According to one embodiment, a lower depending stepportion 128 is operably connected to an upper portion 130 at apredetermined angle, e.g., 45-90 degrees, to provide a suitable steppingsurface on either portion 128,130 (e.g., FIG. 3A). It is contemplatedthat the connection can be hinged, fixed, and/or integrally formed.Alternatively, the step 116 has at least one operably shaped notch orstepping surface 132 (e.g., FIG. 3C). The step 116 opens and/or slidesto an optimal step angle for the stepping surface 132. Gripping ornon-skid surfaces on the step are contemplated.

It is understood that the modular tailgate system 110 has a tailgateportion 114 in combination with any of at least two predetermineddesired plurality of features, including, more or less or alternativesto that shown in FIGS. 3A-3C.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, FIGS. 4A-4C are schematicillustrations of a modular tailgate system shown generally at 210operably connected to a pickup truck cargo bed shown generally at 212.The modular tailgate system 210 has a tailgate portion shown generallyat 214 in combination with a plurality of features. The tailgate portion214 selectively rotates between a stowed (FIG. 4B) and deployed position(FIGS. 4A,C), e.g., up/down, to allow rear access to the cargo bed. Theplurality of features integrated with the tailgate portion include atleast one storage unit, at least one lighting device, at least oneintegrated step, and at least one rear diffuser coupled to the tailgate.

At least one lighting device 216 is provided that is a light emittingdiode (LED) lighting strip, and at least one other lighting device 218,e.g., that is a cargo light auxiliary light (white).

The integrated step shown generally at 220 is preferably a fold-out stepthat operably moves between a stowed and a deployed position, asindicated by arrows “H” to allow an operator to step up onto thetailgate portion 214 and/or into the cargo bed 212 of the vehicle.Gripping or non-skid surfaces on the step are contemplated.

Further integrated into the tailgate portion 214 is at least one storageunit 222, at least one net 224, and at least one rear diffuser 226.

It is understood that the modular tailgate system 210 has a tailgateportion 214 in combination with any of at least two predetermineddesired plurality of features, including, more or less or alternativesto that shown in FIGS. 4A-4C.

In accordance with an additional embodiment, FIGS. 5A-5C are schematicillustrations of a modular tailgate system shown generally at 310operably connected to a pickup truck cargo bed shown generally at 312.The modular tailgate system 310 has a tailgate portion shown generallyat 314 in combination with a plurality of features. The tailgate portion314 selectively rotates between a stowed (FIG. 5C) and deployed position(FIG. 5A), e.g., up/down, to allow rear access to the cargo bed. Theplurality of features integrated with the tailgate portion include atleast one built-in step shown generally at 326 that is operablydeployable, e.g., to 90 degrees and/or at a predetermined angle anddistance operable to allow an operator to step up onto the tailgateportion 314 and into the cargo bed 312 of the vehicle. By way ofexample, the built-in step 326 is rotatable, as indicated by arrow “G”,to provide at least one stepping surface 328 and to store within arecess formed in the tailgate portion 314 when not in use. The pluralityof features further include at least one lighting device 316, e.g., LEDlight strip, at least one storage unit 318 that is an insulated storagebox with at least one compartment and a hinged lid 330, at least one net320 that is a retractable cargo net, e.g., within a housing, and has aplurality of hooks 319 for connecting to a plurality of loops 321 formedon the tailgate portion interior 314, and at least one power source 332.

It is understood that the modular tailgate system 310 has a tailgateportion 314 in combination with any of at least two predetermineddesired plurality of features, including, more or less or alternativesto that shown in FIGS. 5A-5C.

In accordance with another embodiment, FIG. 6 is a modular tailgatesystem shown generally at 410 operably connected to a pickup truck cargobed shown generally at 412. The modular tailgate system 410 has atailgate portion shown generally at 414 in combination with a pluralityof features. The tailgate portion 414 selectively rotates between astowed and deployed position, e.g., up/down, to allow rear access to thecargo bed. The plurality of features integrated with the tailgateportion include a split tailgate door having a first half 420 and asecond half 422 that are selectively rotatable individually orseparately and/or together between the stowed and deployed positions,and at least one cargo hold bar 416 that is adjustable along a pair ofopposing vertical tracks 418 operably coupled to the cargo bed 412 toaccommodate cargo loads of various heights. Optionally, by way ofnon-limiting example, a release mechanism is provided operable todisengage the halves from one another to allow separate movement of thesplit tailgate door halves. Alternatively, the tailgate is integrallyformed as one piece. The cargo hold bar 416 also has at least oneoperable release mechanism generally shown at 424 that includes a quickgrip style clamp latch release.

It is understood that the modular tailgate system 410 has a tailgateportion 414 in combination with any of at least two predetermineddesired plurality of features, including, more or alternatives to thatshown or described as to FIG. 6.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, FIG. 7 is a modular tailgatesystem shown generally at 510 operably connected to a pickup truck cargobed, shown generally at 512. The modular tailgate system 510 has atailgate portion shown generally at 514 in combination with a pluralityof features. The tailgate portion 514 selectively rotates between astowed and deployed position, e.g., up/down, to allow rear access to thecargo bed. The plurality of features integrated with the tailgateportion include a split tailgate door having a first half 520 and asecond half 522 that are selectively rotatable individually orseparately and/or together between the stowed and deployed positions,and at least one cargo hold device shown generally at 516 that isadjustable and/or rotatable. There is provided a cargo hold devicehaving a frame 518 with a first opening 524 and a second opening 526.Trusses or a web-like structure or the like shown generally at 525 isintegrally formed within at least the middle upstanding portion of theframe 518 between the first and second openings 524,526 for additionalstrength/support.

A first hold cargo bar 528 is disposed within the first opening 524 andis adjustable along a pair of opposing vertical tracks 530 integrallyformed in both sides of the frame 518 or operably connected to the frame518 to accommodate cargo loads of various heights. A second cargo holdbar 532 is disposed within the second opening 526 and is adjustable(independently from the first cargo bar 528) along a second pair ofopposing vertical tracks 534 formed in the frame 518 or operablyconnected to the frame 518 to accommodate cargo loads of variousheights. The first and second cargo hold bars 528 and 532 also each havea release mechanism 538, e.g., that is a quick grip style clamp latchrelease, operable to allow the hold bars 528 and 532 to selectivelyadjust vertically along the tracks. Optionally, the release mechanismincludes at least one pin and cable which selectively engage the pinwithin apertures formed in any of the tracks 530,534 at predeterminedintervals.

The frame 518 is also operable rotatable from between a stowed anddeployed position, e.g., up/down, to allow further rear access to thecargo bed, and uses the same pivot indicated generally at 536 as thetailgate portion 514. The frame 518 has at least one operable releasemechanism generally shown at 538, e.g., that includes a quick grip styleclamp latch release, to allow rotation of the frame 518.

It is understood that the modular tailgate system 510 has a tailgateportion 514 in combination with any of at least two predetermineddesired plurality of features, including, more or alternatives to thatshown or described as to FIG. 7.

In accordance with another embodiment, FIGS. 8-10 illustrate a modulartailgate system shown generally at 610 operably connected to a pickuptruck cargo bed shown generally at 612. The modular tailgate system 610has a tailgate portion shown generally at 614 in combination with aplurality of features. The tailgate portion 614 selectively rotatesbetween a stowed and deployed position, e.g., up/down, to allow rearaccess to the cargo bed. The plurality of features integrated with thetailgate portion include a split tailgate door having a first half 620and a second half 622 that are selectively rotatable individually orseparately and/or together between the stowed and deployed positions.The plurality of features further includes at least one step, showngenerally at 624, operably rotatably coupled to the tailgate portion 614to allow an operator to step up onto the tailgate portion 614 and/orinto the cargo bed 612 of the vehicle. It is understood that the step624 is foldable or otherwise stowable out of the way when not in use.

The plurality of features further includes at least one lighting source626, most preferably, at least two lighting devices 626 that illuminateindividually and/or in unison, e.g., to light a ground surface in atleast one location, most preferably, two locations when the tailgate 614is in the deployed position. The figures illustrate a lighting device626 on the upper corners of both door halves 620,622 to illuminate theground but it is understood alternative and/or additional locations arewithin the scope of the present invention. At least one power source634, e.g., strip of a plurality of 12V or higher outlets, is provided onthe first half 620 and/or second half 622 of the tailgate.

The plurality of features further includes at least one storage unitshown generally at 628 (e.g., weather sealed cooler) integrated into thefirst half 620 and/or the second half 622 of the tailgate portion 614,and having a lid 630 which forms an interior side of the tailgateportion 614 when that respective half is in the stowed position.

The plurality of features further includes at least one net 632. By wayof non-limiting example, the at least one net 632 can be a retractablecargo net and/or a non-retractable net, and having a plurality of hooksfor connecting to a plurality of loops formed on the lid 630 and ortailgate portion interior 614 framework.

It is understood that the modular tailgate system 610 has a tailgateportion 614 in combination with any of at least two predetermineddesired plurality of features, including, more or less or alternativesto that shown in FIGS. 8-10.

In accordance with another embodiment, FIG. 11 is a modular tailgatesystem shown generally at 710 similar to that described and illustratedas to FIG. 7 (e.g., split door tailgate portion and cargo hold device516 as detailed previously). Alternatively, the cargo hold device 516has a fixed frame that is not rotatable. The tailgate system 710 isoperably connected to a pickup truck cargo bed shown generally at 712.The modular tailgate system 710 has a tailgate portion shown generallyat 714 in combination with the plurality of features. The split tailgatedoor has a first half 720 and a second half 722 that are selectivelyrotatable individually or separately and/or together between the stowedand deployed positions, as set forth previously. In this embodiment theplurality of features integrated with the tailgate portion furtherincludes at least one step shown generally at 724 operably rotatablycoupled to the first half 720 and/or a second half 722 to allow anoperator to step up onto the tailgate portion 714 and/or into the cargobed 712 of the vehicle. The plurality of features further includes leastone lighting device 726 or “illumination device”, most preferably, atleast two lighting devices 726 that illuminate individually and/orseparately, e.g., to light a ground surface in at least one location,most preferably, two locations when the tailgate 714, e.g., when eitherhalf of the split tailgate portion, is in the deployed position.

It is understood that the modular tailgate system 710 has a tailgateportion 714 in combination with any of at least two predetermineddesired plurality of features, including, more or alternatives to thatshown or described as to FIG. 11.

In accordance with another embodiment, FIG. 12 is a modular tailgatesystem, shown generally at 810, similar to that described andillustrated as to FIGS. 7 and 11 (e.g., a split door tailgate portionand cargo hold device 516 as detailed previously, at least one step 724,and at least one lighting device 726, all as detailed previously). Thetailgate system 810 is operably connected to a pickup truck cargo bedshown generally at 812. The modular tailgate system 810 has a tailgateportion shown generally at 814 in combination with the plurality offeatures. The plurality of features integrated with the tailgate portionfurther includes at least one storage unit 828, integrated into a firsthalf 820 and/or second half 822 of the tailgate portion 814, and havinga lid which at least partially forms an interior side of the tailgateportion 814 when that respective half is in the stowed position.

It is understood that the modular tailgate system 810 has a tailgateportion 814 in combination with any of at least two predetermineddesired plurality of features, including, more or alternatives to thatshown or described as to FIG. 12.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, FIGS. 13A-13D illustrate amodular tailgate system shown generally at 910 operably connected to apickup truck cargo bed shown generally at 912. The modular tailgatesystem 910 has a tailgate portion shown generally at 914 in combinationwith a plurality of features. The tailgate portion 914 selectivelyrotates between a stowed and deployed position, e.g., up/down, to allowrear access to the cargo bed and at least one intermediate position. Theplurality of features integrated with the tailgate portion include atleast one bed extension system shown generally at 916 operably connectedto the operably slidably connected to the cargo bed 912 and/or vehicleframe. The bed extension system 916 is selectively slid, as indicated byarrow “E” rearward to extend the length of the cargo bed 912 apredetermined amount to an extended position (FIG. 13B). The tailgateportion 914 is also selectively rotatable, as indicated by arrow “F”, toa second stowed position when the bed is in the extended position. Byway of non-limiting example, the tailgate 922 is hinged to the extensionportion 916 to allow rotation “F” to the second stowed position (FIG.13C). The plurality of features integrated with the tailgate portionfurther include at least on rotatable door 918, preferably at least twoopposing doors 918, operably connected to the tailgate portion 914. Therotatable doors 918 are selectively inwardly rotatable (FIG. 13D) toform side walls operably closing off opposing pairs of openings 920after the bed extension 916 is extended.

It is understood that the modular tailgate system 910 has a tailgateportion 914 in combination with any of at least two predetermineddesired plurality of features, including, more or less or alternativesto that shown in FIGS. 13A-13D.

In accordance with another embodiment, FIG. 14 illustrates a modulartailgate system shown generally at 1010 operably connected to a pickuptruck cargo bed 1034 of a vehicle shown generally at 1012. The modulartailgate system 1010 has a tailgate portion shown generally at 1014 incombination with a plurality of features. The tailgate portion 1014selectively rotates between a stowed and deployed position, e.g.,up/down, to allow rear access to the cargo bed. The plurality offeatures integrated with the tailgate portion include a split tailgatedoor having at least a first half 1020 and a second half 1022 that areselectively rotatable (e.g., selectively rotated individually ortogether between the stowed and deployed positions), and at least onestep. At least the second half 1022 includes a rotatable step portionshown generally at 1024, operably rotatably coupled to the tailgate 1014to allow at least one stepping surface 1026 for an operator to step uponto the step 1026 and optionally into the cargo bed/tailgate of thevehicle.

It is understood that the step 1024 is foldable or otherwise stowableout of the way when not in use (e.g., a fastener, rotatable latch,rotatable toggle, strap that snaps, or any other suitable fastenerholding the step folded against the first half 1024, preferably, nestedin an opening 1028 defined by a peripheral frame 1030 of the firsttailgate half 1024.

Preferably, the frame 1030 of the step portion is operably hinged 1034to allow the rotatable step portion 1024 to selectively rotate down(indicate by arrow in FIG. 14) when a step or increased access into thecargo bed is desired. The step surface 1026 is then rotatable to thepredetermined stepping position (e.g., see FIG. 14) and operably held inposition by at least one brace element 1031 (e.g., tethers, cord,straps, nylon straps, internal stop(s), internal bumper(s), standoff,jack screw, brackets, linkage(s) or any other suitable robust stepelement and any combinations thereof). It is understood that at leastone fastener, mechanical fastener, plunger, pin or any suitable androbust fastener member can be used to hold the first half and secondhalf 1020 and 1022 of the tailgate 1014 together in the dropped tailgateposition and the tailgate up position. The first liftgate portion 1038and a base portion 1036 of the second liftgate portion 1022 are operablyhinged to the vehicle 1012. The frame 1030 of the step portion isoperably hinged to the base portion 1036. Preferably, at least onerelease 1038 is provided to release the drop step 1022 to rotate down.

The plurality of features further includes at least one handle 1040 toassist a step user. The handle 1040 is any suitable predetermined shapeand is operably stowable. Preferably, the handle 1040 stows in the firsthalf 1020 (e.g., slid through an opening 1042 and stowed within atubular structure 1044 of the first half 1042. The handle 1040 is pulledout to the side 1042 and rotated up into position and operably locked inplace for use as a stable handle feature. Preferably, utilizing a sockettype feature to allow the handle 1040 to into position and be held(e.g., friction, screwed in, etc).

The first liftgate portion 1024 is rotatable electronically or it is amanual deployed/stowed step. Preferably, an electronic release androtating for the step (e.g., dropped automatically, independently orsimultaneously, by a remote or sensor which allows hands free operation,remote signal is a remote control, motion sensor, touch sensor, key fobor keypad, etc and any combinations). It is understood that the modulartailgate system 1010 has a tailgate portion 1014 in combination with anyof at least two predetermined desired plurality of features, including,more or less or additional features and any combinations to that shownin FIGS. 1-13D.

It is understood that any aspect(s) of FIGS. 1-14 are operably adaptableand combined depending on the particular applications without departurefrom the scope of the present invention.

The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and,thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention areintended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations arenot to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A modular tailgate system, comprising: a tailgateportion operably connected to a cargo bed area and rotatable between astowed position and at least one deployed position; and a plurality offeatures incorporated with the tailgate portion and employable withexisting vehicles without any hardware or mounting modifications toexisting body sides and/or existing cargo beds, wherein at least one ofthe features is a handle that operably moves into at least one positionof use and operably locks into place to allow user assistance onto themodular tailgate system, and wherein the tailgate portion includes asplit tailgate door having a length that is divided into at least afirst portion and a second portion that are selectively rotatableindependently or in unison.
 2. The modular tailgate system of claim 1,wherein the plurality of features are selected from the group consistingof a split door, a three-way opening door, at least one storage unit, atleast one step, at least one lighting device, at least one bed extensionsystem, at least one power outlet, at least one tie down, at least onenet, at least one tie down, at least one cargo hold system, at least onesawhorse, at least one bench, at least one seat, at least one drop downstep, at least one storage location within the tailgate portion for thehandle and combinations thereof.
 3. The modular tailgate system of claim2, wherein the modular tailgate system includes the tailgate portion incombination with at least three of the plurality of features forproviding at least three predetermined desired functions.
 4. The modulartailgate system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of features furthercomprise: at least one integrated step that is slidably, telescopingand/or rotatably extendable to provide a stepping surface; and/or atleast one storage unit; and/or at least one lighting device; and/or atleast one power source; and/or at least one net; and/or at least onelighting device is a ground illumination light emitting diode; and/or atleast one power source is a multi-outlet strip; and/or at least onestorage unit is a weather sealed cooler; and/or at least one storagecompartment; and/or at least one integrated step.
 5. The modulartailgate system of claim 4, wherein the integrated step has an upperportion operably connected to a lower depending step portion andprovides a stepping surface into the cargo bed.
 6. The modular tailgatesystem of claim 4, wherein the at least one integrated step is hinged inat least one location to move the step between a stowed and an extendedposition.
 7. The modular tailgate system of claim 1, further comprisinga drop-down step with an electrical release.
 8. The modular tailgatesystem of claim 1, further comprising an inner storage structure in thetailgate portion, wherein the handle is stowable in the inner structureout of the way until use of the handle is desired.
 9. The modulartailgate system of claim 1, wherein the handle is operably rotated upinto position and operably locked into position for use as a stabilizinghandle for a user.
 10. The modular tailgate system of claim 1, whereinthe tailgate is a split tailgate with a first tailgate half and a secondtailgate half, and wherein another of the plurality of features is adrop down step integrated with the first or second tailgate half, andwherein the other of the first or second tailgate half stows the handlewithin when not in use.
 11. A modular tailgate system for a pickup truckcargo bed, comprising: a tailgate portion rotatable between a stowedposition and a deployed position; and a plurality of featuresincorporated with the tailgate portion and employable with existingpickup trucks, wherein the plurality of features are selected from thegroup consisting of a multi-functional gate, at least one storage unit,at least one step, at least one lighting device, at least one bedextension system, at least one power outlet, at least one tie down, atleast one net, at least one tie down, at least one cargo hold frame/barsystem, at least one sawhorse, at least one bench, at least one seat,and combinations thereof, wherein the tailgate portion includes a splittailgate door having a length that is divided into at least a firstportion and a second portion that are selectively rotatableindependently or in unison, and wherein one of the plurality of featuresis a drop-down step.
 12. A modular tailgate system for a vehicle,comprising: a tailgate portion rotatable between at least a stowedposition and a deployed position; and at least two features incorporatedwith the tailgate portion, wherein the at least two features areselected from the group consisting of a multi-functional gate, at leastone storage unit, at least one step, at least one lighting device, atleast one bed extension system, at least one power outlet, at least onetie down, at least one net, at least one tie down, at least one cargohold frame/bar system, at least one sawhorse, at least one bench, atleast one seat, and combinations thereof, wherein the at least twofeatures are different from one another, wherein the tailgate portionincludes a split tailgate door having a length that is divided into atleast a first portion and a second portion that are selectivelyrotatable independently or in unison, and wherein one of the features isa handle stowable in the tailgate portion when not in use.